Coronary heart disease (CHD)is the UK’s biggest killer, resulting in around 82,000 deaths each year, according to the NHS. But, if steps are taken to follow a healthy diet, take regular exercise and take good quality supplements, we can reduce our risk of developing this serious condition. In this article we will focus on some supplements that are beneficial for heart health.

SERRAPEPTASE

This multi-functional proteolytic enzyme is derived from silkworms, and works by dissolving non-living tissues such as plaque, blood clots, cysts and inflammation in all forms – without harming living tissue. The German physician, Dr Hans Nieper, reportedly used Serrapeptase with great success in helping his patients with heart disease and arterial blockages.

NATTOKINASE

This potent anti-clotting enzyme is extracted from the traditional Japanese soy food ‘natto’. Nattokinase breaks down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting. In the heart, blood clots cause a blockage in the flow of blood to the muscle tissue which can lead to the oxygen supply to that tissue being cut off, resulting in angina and heart attacks. Clots in the chambers of the heart can move to the brain where they can also block blood and oxygen from reaching necessary areas, resulting in a stroke.

MAGNESIUM

This important mineral plays a key role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

It protects against angina by preventing the coronary arteries from having spasms. It also regulates heart rhythm by co- ordinating the activity of the heart muscle and the nerves that initiate the heartbeat and it controls high blood pressure by relaxing the muscles that control the blood vessels and enabling the blood to flow more freely.

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES

Enzymes are crucial to all of the body’s physiological processes. A deficiency in digestive enzymes reduces the availability of the body’s metabolic enzymes. Metabolic enzymes help to combat chronic inflammation which, if left untreated, can lead to serious problems such as cardiovascular disease and even cancer. These enzymes help to reduce inflammation in the body by breaking down foreign proteins in the blood which cause inflammation and ensuring they are removed from your system through the blood stream and lymphatic system. Metabolic enzymes also help to remove fibrin, the clotting material mentioned above, which can prolong inflammation.1

ACEROLA CHERRIES

These cherries are rich natural sources of vitamins A and C as well as an excellent source of powerful antioxidants, protein and natural salts such as iron, phosphorous and calcium. Vitamin C in particular helps reduce your risk of stroke and can help improve blood vessel relaxation if you suffer from cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that the anthocyanins in cherries suppress pain caused by inflammation. They also help to lower cholesterol and prevent build-ups of plaque in the arteries. Many phenolic compounds in cherries also lower blood lipid levels and offer protection against heart disease and stroke.

PYCNOGENOL

A number of clinical trials have shown that Pycnogenol, an extract from French Maritime Pine bark, offers various health benefits for the cardiovascular system.  It has been shown to reduce high blood pressure, reduce platelet activity andcexerts beneficial actions on blood lipid profile. In one particular study, Swiss researchers noted significant improvements in the function of the endothelial cells as well as improved blood flow in patients with cardiovascular disease after eight weeks’ supplementation with 200mg of Pycnogenol.2

AMLA

Amla, also known as the Indian gooseberry, has been shown to reduce cholesterol and keep heart disease in check. Amla is known for its ability to control the oxidation of LDL (low density lipoprotein). The oxidation of LDL releases free radicals which cause coronary artery disease, so controlling this process is vital for the prevention of heart disease. Amla also prevents arthrosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) thus offering further protection against heart disease.